GCC Residents: Umrah & Entry Rules

Living in the Gulf gives you some of the easiest access to Umrah anywhere. GCC citizens move freely, and GCC residents of other nationalities have special eligibility for Saudi visas regardless of passport, so the journey is short and simple. Here is how it works for both. Rules change; verified July 2026 — confirm on the official portals before travel.

GCC citizens

Citizens of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the UAE, Kuwait, Oman and Qatar enter freely with a national ID or passport, by air or road, no visa required — and simply book their Umrah permit on Nusuk. For those in the eastern Gulf, the drive across the King Fahd Causeway or Al Batha makes a weekend Umrah entirely feasible.

GCC residents (expatriates)

If you are an expatriate resident in a GCC country, you have several routes regardless of nationality:

• Tourist eVisa / visa on arrival — GCC residents are eligible, as are holders of a valid, used US, UK or Schengen visa. See visa on arrival.
• Stopover visa — if flying Saudia or flynas, the free 96-hour stopover visa lets you perform Umrah in transit.
• Umrah visa — the dedicated route where the above don't apply.

By road or air

Many GCC residents drive across — see driving to Saudi Arabia for the crossings and vehicle rules — while others fly into Jeddah or Madinah. Either way, any valid Saudi visa allows Umrah, so choose whichever route is cheapest and most convenient for your situation.

The Nusuk permit

Whatever your route, book your Umrah permit and free Rawdah appointment in the Nusuk app — your visa or GCC status grants entry, and the Nusuk permit grants permission to perform the pilgrimage. Set up your account before you travel.

Planning

Because access is so easy from the Gulf, many residents make Umrah more than once a year. Pre-book your transfers for a smooth arrival — book a car — and plan the trip with the DIY Umrah guide. Verified July 2026.